English Language and Literature ETDs

Publication Date

12-3-1971

Abstract

The present study concerns itself with the development of the vision of the new Prometheus in Byron’s poetry. The purpose of this essay is to examine Byron as an affirmative poet of humanity. Chapters I and II deal with the poet’s early lyrics and with two tales—The Giaour and The Bride of Abydos—written before 1816; in these chapters Byron’s positive attitude toward life is explored in relation to this interest in the theme of love. Chapters III, IV and V are concerned with selected works written during and after 1816—“Prometheus,” Manfred, Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage III-IV, The Prisoner of Chillon, Mazeppa, Cain, and Sardanapalus—the poems in which Byron treats at length his vision of the ideal man, the new Prometheus.

Byron’s poetry illustrates his consistent vision of the ideal man. Conscious of the mutability of life that allows only a glimpse of felicity, Byron exercises his creative imagination to explore man’s potential to rise above the wretched human condition. The Prometheus myth provides Byron with a means of elucidating the value of human experience and affirming life.  The myth that portrays the image of a new man awakens Byron’s insight into the potential to go beyond uncertain human existence.

Byron’s most extensive exploration of the image of the new Prometheus can be seen in Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage III-IV. By carefully examining the great artists of the past Byron attempts to identify himself with those who created values in life through their artistic creations, spiritual values that enabled them to triumph over the vicissitudes of life. Byron arrives at the new Promethean stature through his poetic creation; he aspires to redeem the ruined world by bringing forth from himself possibilities for living an abundant life. Aware that redemption of his world depends first on his own redemption, he develops a new self by creating a new indestructible paradise within himself. Ample evidence affirms that in Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage III-IV Byron comes to terms with the loneliness, fear, and anxiety of life, and his paradise within is established when he makes of his tortured existence a victory by fully exercising the energies of mind. Such representatives of the new Promethean man as Manfred, Mazeppa, and Sardanapalus illustrate the poet’s view of life: the quality of life depends on how man uses his potentiality—the strength of mind. The new Prometheus sees man living in the ruins of Paradise: herein is the reason human suffering is inevitable. He is aware, however, that he can successfully wrestle with the sorrow and pain of life by fully utilizing the powers of mind. Life is a continuous activity of self-discovery and self-development, and the new Promethean man creates a paradise within himself by fearlessly participating in life. Those who fail to use their inner strength, on the other hand, dwell in prisons of their own making. The Prisoner of Chillon and Cain are prime examples. They neglect their otherwise creative vitality of mind, thereby imposing further limitations on an already miserable human existence. Byron’s poetry is thus a record of his own spiritual growth, presenting a vision of human potential to become a new man, creator of a new paradise.

Degree Name

English

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

English

First Committee Member (Chair)

Marcia Tillotson

Second Committee Member

Edith Buchanan

Third Committee Member

Ivan Peter Melada

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

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